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Sunday, January 4, 2015

Pope Francis recently delivered a powerful message to ring in the new
year at St. Peter’s Basilica’s Roman Catholic Church’s World Day of
Peace. In his message, which served as an introductory for this year’s
theme, he discussed the positive aspects of unity among religions and
cultures.

He urged all religions to come together and join in the fight against
modern slavery and human trafficking. The powerful message was quite
befitting for this year’s theme, “No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and
Sisters.”

“All of us are called (by God) to be free, all are called
to be sons and daughters, and each, according to his or her own
responsibilities, is called to combat modern forms of enslavement. From
every people, culture and religion, let us join our forces.”

However, the notion of bringing all religions together seems like a
positive concept that would undoubtedly make the world a better place.
But, unfortunately from a realistic perspective, there are definitely
doubts.

Due to the various beliefs of different denominations, some feel
freedom and peace cannot work with religious ideology, dogma, or a
theocracy because science and religion are in conflict with one another. He
also cites the complexity of the relationship between science and
religion, which is often as controversial as the separation of church
and state. Then, there are others who have rendered “coming together” as
forming one denomination.

The ongoing argument about the concept and misconception of “one
denomination” has sparked quite a debate. Although some agree with Pope Francis’
views, many argued that theoretically it could never happen, and “peace
on earth” is an impossible feat.

For example, many readers could not
even fathom Muslims taking on the beliefs of any other religion or
culture, let alone agree with the idea of anti-slavery.

Here are some of the responses to Pope Francis’ perspective of bringing all religions together.

“I am always wary of what the Pope has to say. Since
waaaaay back when the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath day from the
seventh day to the first day to demonstrate their strength, their agenda
has been suspect. We are a thinking people. Think.”

“There will never be peace in the world unfortunately. People give
each other the finger in traffic and you think people will stop and make
peace?”

“how would you feel if someone suggested that al people become a different religion…like say Buddhism…how would you like that?”

“The pope may convince Catholics, some Protestants, and even a few
Muslim clerics in a venue for justice, but Muslims in general will never
agree to anti-slavery, at least not in practice, else they’d have to
edit their book. Regardless, when religious bodies “join forces” in
religious exercises, prayers, etc., there’s often a vain attempt to
intermingle light and darkness, good and evil, but the scriptures are
clear that we are not to be unevenly yoked with unbelievers (2
Corinthians 6:14). A church that incorporates wolves into the flock will
soon be devoured.”

“We cannot possibly become one religion. We can all want the best for
the betterment state of our country, but becoming one religion is not
doing it. The Muslims, Hamas and Jihadists, don’t think so!”

However, there are some believers who feel the void between faith and
science will close one day. But, what would that signify? In the book
of Revelations, the bible speaks of one world religion near the end of
time. So, although the sentiment is a relatively positive notion, many
find the concept of peace on earth quite disconcerting.

Do you agree or disagree with Pope Francis’ concept of bringing all religions together? Share your thoughts.